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Federal Contracting by State · Northeast

Federal Contracting in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is Defense electronics and FFRDC research — Hanscom AFB, Lincoln Laboratory, and Natick. Massachusetts is a defense-electronics and research powerhouse: Hanscom AFB acquires command-and-control and networking systems, MIT Lincoln Laboratory drives sensor and electronics R&D, and Natick develops soldier systems. The state’s university density makes it a strong market for high-end R&D and engineering.

📊 Based on 146 real federal opportunities with a place of performance in Massachusetts

Region

Northeast

Tracked opportunities

146

Typical award value

$39K to $213K

Top federal buyer

Department of Defense

Major military installations & federal facilities in Massachusetts

Hanscom AFB (Air Force C3I & networks acquisition)Natick Soldier Systems CenterJoint Base Cape CodCoast Guard Base Boston

These installations and facilities anchor federal demand in Massachusetts — they generate base-operations, services, construction, and product requirements that flow to local and national contractors alike.

Federal agencies & HQs with a major presence

  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory (FFRDC)
  • DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
  • Dense university & research ecosystem

What the federal government buys in Massachusetts

Dominant buying sectors

Defense electronics & C2 systemsR&D and FFRDC supportSoldier systems & materialsUniversity researchAdvanced technology & IT

Most-bought NAICS codes on recent MA solicitations

Most active federal buyers in Massachusetts

Department of DefenseDepartment of Veterans AffairsInterior, Department of theDepartment of Homeland SecurityGeneral Services AdministrationDepartment of Commerce

These are the agencies posting the most solicitations performed in Massachusetts. Set up alerts on WinAContract for their opportunities, then draft your response in GovCon.

Set-asides used in MA

No Set aside usedTotal Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside8a Competed

See the set-aside program guides for eligibility.

Where the work is performed

Hanscom AfbNatickBuzzards BayBostonLowellBedford

Top performance locations on recent MA solicitations.

How to win federal contracts in Massachusetts

  1. Register in SAM.gov. It's free and mandatory to receive federal awards. Get your UEI and complete the registration before you bid.
  2. Pin down your NAICS codes. Register under every code that fits what you sell — in Massachusetts the active codes include 236220, 238210, 238220.
  3. Claim your set-aside certifications. 8(a), WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB, and HUBZone open contracts that exclude large primes. See which you qualify for →
  4. Use your APEX Accelerator. Every state has one (formerly PTACs) offering free counseling on registration, bid-matching and proposals — find Massachusetts's at apexaccelerators.us.
  5. Track the right opportunities. Monitor solicitations performed in MA on SAM.gov and WinAContract, focused on the agencies and installations above.
  6. Write compliant, winning proposals. Import the solicitation into GovCon, draft Sections L & M, and run a compliance check before you submit.

Federal contracting in Massachusetts — common questions

How do I start winning federal contracts in Massachusetts?

Register your business in SAM.gov (free), identify the NAICS codes that match what you sell, and claim any small-business or socioeconomic set-aside certifications you qualify for. Then track solicitations with a place of performance in MA — especially from Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs — and respond with compliant, well-written proposals. Massachusetts's APEX Accelerator offers free counseling to local firms.

Which federal agencies buy the most in Massachusetts?

Based on recent solicitations with a place of performance in Massachusetts, the most active buyers include Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Interior, Department of the, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration. Major installations and facilities in the state include Hanscom AFB (Air Force C3I & networks acquisition), Natick Soldier Systems Center, Joint Base Cape Cod.

What kinds of contracts are available in Massachusetts?

The dominant federal-buying sectors in Massachusetts are Defense electronics & C2 systems, R&D and FFRDC support, Soldier systems & materials, University research. The most common NAICS codes on recent MA solicitations include 236220 (236220 · Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), 238210 (238210 · Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors), 238220 (238220 · Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), 336612 (336612 · Transportation Equipment Manufacturing).

Are there set-aside opportunities for small businesses in Massachusetts?

Yes. Recent MA solicitations frequently use No Set aside used, Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside, 8a Competed. If your firm holds a matching certification, you compete in a far smaller field. See our set-aside program guides for eligibility and certification steps.

What is a typical federal contract worth in Massachusetts?

Among awarded contracts on record with a place of performance in Massachusetts, values typically range $39K to $213K. Actual values vary widely by agency, scope and contract vehicle — from small purchases to large IDIQ task orders.

Chasing a federal opportunity in Massachusetts?

GovCon is the AI proposal-writing tool built for federal offerors — import the solicitation, draft Sections L & M, and check compliance. Free plan, no card required.

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More in the Northeast

Browse all states, explore NAICS contracting guides, or read the set-aside program guides.